Thursday, February 11, 2010

WHY STUDY BIBLE PROPHECY

Bible Prophecy is defined as the speaking forth what is the mind and counsel of God. It is a declaration of that which cannot be known by natural means. The study of Biblical Prophecy (Eschatology) tells us about future events. Because the Bible is God's Word, and God knows the beginning from the end, BIBLICAL PROPHECY IS HISTORY WRITTEN IN ADVANCE.

If you watch religious programs on TV, or get literature (solicited or not) from religious organizations, you may have noticed that the subject of Bible Prophecy is high on the list of topics. There are some obvious reasons why prophecy is often center stage. For one, prophecy sells. Most people want to know the future, especially when it comes to the things of God. If you want to build a mega church, the focus on prophecy is a great way to start. Another reason prophecy is so prominent in the media, broadcast and written, is that people watch the news. If they have the least bit of knowledge about Bible Prophecy, they see the "signs of the times." Just like everything else in the Universe, the second law of thermal dynamics is true for man's social institutions. Governments, economies, religions, etc. are in a state of decay. Rather than evolution, man is actually devolving into something akin to what it must have been like just prior to the Flood. Homosexual marriage, abortion, narcissism, religious division, broken families, drugs abuse (both prescription and illegal), Black on Black crime, racism, etc. fill the air waves until our minds become numb and apathetic. People desperately want to be optimistic about the future, if for no other reason, than to just cope with life.

Well, if you are a Christian, I have great news. It won't be long before Jesus Christ returns to gather His Church out of this putrid mess. Then, following a seven years intermission, the Church will return with Christ to establish His kingdom on Earth. I know, some might say that Christians have been saying that for two thousand years. That is true, but even doubters saying that is a sign of His imminent return. Scripture predicts that very response to Christian witnesses in 2 Peter 3:3 and in Jude 18. "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28).

Why then, should we study Bible Prophecy? There are four very good reasons. One, God does not want ignorant children (Romans 11:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:13). Two, God does not want gullible children, and warns of dangerous men (Matthew 7:15; 24:4-5, 11; Ephesians 4:14), and He warns of Satan's tricks (John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9). Three, God does not want fearful children (Luke 1:74; Romans 8:35-39; 1 Thessalonians 4:18). Four, God does want His children to know His plan (Genesis 3:14-15; Psalms 22:1, 8, 16, 18; Isaiah 53; John 1:29; Ephesians 3:1-12; Revelation 13:8). To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed to stand firm upon the Truth and stand strong against God's enemies. For the Christian, Bible Prophecy provides peace and hope for our future with Him. It is so very important.